Thursday, September 3, 2009

Astronomy For Starter That Has Questions

By Jared Thompkins

When you are thinking about astronomy, the foremost thing that comes to mind is a telescope. This misconception is found every day. Actually, the first thing you need to do is look at the stars with a pair of binoculars.

For the beginner you will need to learn more about the stars before you go out and spend a few hundred or even more on a telescope, what better way than a pair of binoculars. Some things can appear better through a pair of binoculars such as nearby comets.

You will need to look around the sky with a star map and learn about the stars and other objects in space before you jump in and purchase a telescope. Sometimes what you see through a telescope will be ugly, where as through the binoculars, it is a stunning focused site to see. Once you learn about the stars themselves, you will have a better accepting of what you are looking at and how far away it really is.

Now you should know more about the stars after some nice star gazing nights with the binoculars. When choosing a telescope, you will now have more understanding of what you are looking for. It is always a good idea to try out a telescope before you buy it, or read user reviews if it is not possible.

Knowing what you are planning to do with the telescope is essential, will you be looking for planets, stars, galaxies or comets? And how much can you afford for the amount of power that you will need to view these wonders of the night sky?

The majority professional astronomers use a reflector type of telescope. This is where the light path is diverted to the concave lens or eyepiece. With the refractor telescopes, the light passes through the telescope by way of a lens to the eyepiece.

In some of the opinions from astronomers, the refractor is the finest type of telescope for looking at the solar system. However, reflectors are cheaper than the refractors. Reflector telescopes are recommended for beginning astronomers.

When you are using a telescope, the darker the surrounding are is the better your viewing will be. So make sure that you get as far away from city lights as you can, as it can greatly ruin your stargazing.

You will want to have access to a star map, planet map and keep an eye on the news to find out when any fascinating things are appearing in the solar system. Experience the sighting of a comet or meteor shower, you will find that astronomy is a great way to spend the evening by yourself or with friends.

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